That your Petitioners, before the arrival of the British Army in this County, were good subjects to the State and always behaved consistent with the Laws thereof, but at that time, having no Army of this State or the United States to fly to, did very foolishly go to Lord Cornwallis and remained with him but a very short time before we returned home, being convinced of our folly and determined to act as good subjects to the State.

As before now, Sir, some of us have served a tour, agreeable to your Excellency’s Proclamation of September last, but others, who, by age or infirmity, have long since been excused from Military duty, and the want of ability has prevented us from putting in a substitute to serve in our room. We are notwithstanding bound in recognizance to answer in Court agreeably to the Laws of this State for our crimes against the same. And your Petitioners not being able to answer, and are fully determined to behave in future as good subjects do most humbly submit our cases to your Excellency’s clemency for such redress as you may think proper, and we, your Petitioners, as in duty bound, ever pray.

Orange County, 10th April, 1782.

Orange County, North Carolina.

To His Excellency, Thos. Burke:

We, the subscribers, beg leave to assure your Excellency that your Petitioners, to-wit: Samuel Hawkins, Benjamin McCool, Jas. Rosser, Jacob Vissage, Joshua Thompson, William Ray and James Payne did behave themselves before Cornwallis came to this County, and since have shown great signs of penitence for their folly, and while they were with the Enemy did not behave as bad men, as we have been informed, and, therefore, recommend them to your Excellency’s clemency.